Hearing

Case ICA-2020-05: Appeal lodged by Team MRF Tyres against Decision No. 1 dated 2 October 2020 of the Stewards of Rally FAFE MONTELONGO counting towards the 2020 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC)

During the Rally Liepaja (14-16 August 2020) counting towards the 2020 FIA European Rally Championship, a report from the Technical Delegate, who found that the fuel analysis made on car No. 9 of Team MRF Tyres (Drivers Emil Lindholm/Mikael Korhonen), showed that the fuel may not comply with Article 252.9.1 of the Appendix J of the FIA International Sporting Code. The Stewards informed the competitor that the decision should be taken after the Rally Liepaja. It was agreed that they would be heard at the next Rally event, i.e. Rally Fafe Montelongo. The Stewards of this Rally, after having heard the parties, decided to disqualify the competitor Team MRF Tyres from the classification of the Rally Liepaja (decision No. 1 dated 2 October 2020).

On October 6, 2020, Team MRF Tyres decided to appeal this decision.

Decision of the International Court of Appeal

The Court, after having heard the parties and examined their submissions, decided:

• To accept the appeal and quash Decision No. 1 of 2 October 2020 taken by the Stewards of the Rally Fafe Montelongo counting towards the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC);
• To order the competent Sporting Authority to draw, as appropriate, the consequences of this ruling.

The International Court of Appeal was presided over by Mr Jean GAY (Switzerland), and included Mr Gérard MARTIN (Belgium), Mr Philippe NARMINO (Monaco) and Mr Laurent NUSS (France).

Full decision is available here.